Funner Runner

Walt Disney World French Quarter Beignet Dash Fun Run - May 26, 2019

6/12/2019

Y'all know I love runDisney race weekends! I mean, I get to combine two of my favorite things: running and Disney! In 2018, some of the Walt Disney World resorts piggy-backed off of the popularity of runDisney events and guests looking to log miles while on vacation and started casual weekly fun runs. Held at different resorts across property, each of the resort fun runs boasts its own theme for their 1-1.5ish mile casual run through the resort.

When we headed to Walt Disney World for a few days over Memorial Day weekend, I scoped out info on the resort fun runs to see what I could fit into my schedule. Since I was only there for a long weekend there was only one resort fun run that I could take part in, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Beignet Dash. While we were staying at All Star Movies, it was just a short (and cheap) rideshare ride over to Port Orleans French Quarter.

We arrived to Port Orleans around 7:15 which gave us plenty of time to head from the hotel lobby down to the pool area to register and meet up with some friends - Chris, Danielle, and Deanna. Registration started at 7:30 and the run started at 8am.

It was a little bit of a toasty and humid morning at Walt Disney World, actually it was going to be close to 100 come the afternoon, so I won't complain about high-70s at 8am. I was just thankful to be running at Disney and it not involve a 2am wakeup! Registration took just a few minutes. Basically you filled out a quick registration form and waiver then paid your fee of $15 (cash and credit cards were accepted). You then got your official "race" bib to personalize.

We had about 50 people or so in our run this morning. Just before starting we were briefed by the lifeguard team (they coordinate the fun runs) on how the course would run. Basically we start right by pool area and head along the walkway towards Port Orleans Riverside for about .75 mile then turn around and head back towards Port Orleans French Quarter.

Since the run starts at 8am, there aren't too many guests out and about yet. Even the few that were out gave you cheers along the way which was fun. The lifeguards were absolutely amazing and were positioned at each of the few turns that there were to make sure that you stayed on course. There was also a castmember on a bike to lead the way for the lead runner and one at the back to make sure that no one needed assistance along the way.

When we crossed the finishline of our 1.5ish mile journey, we were greeted by a plethora of cast members and celebrations. Today marked 5 years of mine and Momma K's run streak (1+ mile...every single day) and when the castmembers caught on about our special day, they decided to bring a little extra magic to our finish line with balloons, buttons and extra fanfare.

For your $15 registration you received some pretty fun swag including a special finisher medal (it is plastic, but super cute), button and a voucher for a three beignets. Not bad for $15 if you ask me.

I really enjoyed the Beignet Dash. The course was lovely and it had some great perks/swag. Did it have all the fanfare of a runDisney race? No. Was it competitive? No. It was just what I expected - a FUN RUN.

No matter if you are wanting motivation to get your miles in while at Disney, enjoy a few miles with your family (yes, it it totally family friendly), or just want to acquire some neat Disney swag, I recommend checking out the Walt Disney World Resort fun runs.

I cannot wait to check out some of the other resort fun runs soon! As I mentioned earlier, each resort fun run has its own theme and fun swag to them. Right now, these are the Walt Disney World resort fun runs. Times and dates are subject to change, so please check with the resort beforehand to confirm:

Sunday: Port Orleans French Quarter, Beignet Dash (8 a.m.)
Every other Tuesday: All Star Resorts, All-Stars & Icons Fun Run (check with resort for schedule)
Wednesday: Old Key West, Southernmost Point 3K (7:30 a.m.)
Thursday: Saratoga Springs, Derby Dash (8 a.m.)
Thursday: Yacht and Beach Club, Regatta Run (8 a.m.)
Friday: Boardwalk Resort, Seaside Sprint (8 a.m.)

***Coronado Springs just added a fun run to their calendar on Wednesdays, however I do not have details on this event yet.

These resort fun runs are definitely a good "fix" for me for my non-runDisney trips to Walt Disney World. While I will not be able to get any of the fun runs in during my next few trips to Walt Disney World, I am looking forward to getting one or two of them during my long trip in February...especially the one at Coronado Springs since that is where I will be staying.

0 Comments

Summer Sun Ready with Dermatone

6/7/2019

0 Comments

***DISCLAIMER: I was provided product from Dermatone in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was exchanged for my review. All thoughts are strictly my own.

Hello, June! It is now unofficially summer which means it is time to enjoy and vacations, racecations, and long training runs for those Fall marathons and half marathons are ramping up. Even when you head out for an early morning run, doesn't mean that protecting your skin from those UV rays isn't important. I am one that wears tanks and shorts as long as possible when I run, so I definitely have to make sure to keep my skin protected year-round.

The team from Dermatone recently reached out to me with an opportunity to check out some of their products as I get ready for summer running, vacations, and fun in the sun. Even though I know that sunscreen is important especially on my long runs, I have always struggled with finding sunscreen that works well yet is comfortable for running (not sticky, heavy, or gross feeling). The best part is that most of the Dermatone products are TSA compliant in size for my upcoming racecations as well as a nice size to go into my running bag or purse!

While some people might be advocates for sunscreen because sunburns flat out HURT, there are numerous reasons that protecting your skin from the sun is important including decreasing the risk of skin cancer reducing early skin aging caused by the sun. For as much time as I spend out time, I can definitely get behind the importance of sunscreen.

One thing that I have learned over the years is that sunscreen is not a "one size fits all" thing. There are different SPF strengths, different applications, and more. The Dermatone line covers a wide range of options for there preferences or needs that you might have and I was excited to dig in and try some out to see what was the best "fit" for my needs and lifestyle.

Dermatone No-Touch Stick

One of my absolute favorite items was the Dermatone No-Touch Stick. The Dermatone No-Touch stick is a 0.49 ounce stick that was created to offer a sunscreen application for when you need your hands to be clean and dry. With a number of obstacle course races this summer, this will come in handy. When I am doing grip strength obstacles, the last thing I needs is greasy sunscreen residue on my hand preventing me from holding on to the obstacle. The Dermatone No-Touch Stick is perfect for face, ears, arms, and really just about anywhere you need to apply. the Dermatone No-Touch Stick offers a high SPF 50 protection rating that provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Perfect for golf, fishing, skiing, snowboarding and more. Due to its stick formula, I am able to carry this in my carry-on suitcase when traveling and keep in my running bag for race day and those long runs.

Dermatone Sunscreen Lotion

Dermatone Sunscreen Lotion is made with athletes in mind. Athletes their skin through rigorous conditions constantly. Dermatone sunscreen products are designed for these athletes, and offer water-resistant, sweat-resistant, non-greasy UVA and UVB protection. Dermatone Sunscreen Lotion is applied quick & easily and clear (no yucky white mess!). Application was smooth and went on nicely - I didn't have to rub in too much and a little bit went a long way. Nothing is worse than feeling like you are slathered in a lotion, sweating, and it getting even grosser feeling. With both SPF 30 and SPF 50 available, there is a level of protection suited for you. Available in a 4oz tube as well as a 1.5oz tube and 1.5 fl. oz. Tottle w/Caribiner, your sunscreen can easily go in your running bag or even carry on suitcase (1.5oz)!

Dermatone Lip Balms

I don't know about you, but my lips get so dry and chapped year round - especially on long runs - and I am constantly looking for a GOOD lip balm to protect and soothe my lips. Plus in the summer sun, I don't want to get burned lips (neither do you - TRUST ME). I am a bit of a self-proclaimed lip balm snob, but the Dermatone lip balm is amazing! It goes on so smooth and isn't "goopy" or gritty. Since it has SPF 23, I know my lips will feel great and be protected out in the summer sun. This is definitely going to be a staple in my running bag ASAP! Since Dermatone Lip Balm is created with a denser formulation, they offer superior coverage and longer lasting protection which means no need to keep reapplying constantly. .

As always, additional application if swimming/sweating for optimal sun protection. It is also recommend to take additional measure such as wearing hats, sunglasses, long-sleeves/pants and limiting time in the sun from 10am-2pm to protect yourself from the sun.

A huge thank you again to the team at Dermatone for giving me the chance to check out some of their products and get me ready for some SAFE fun in the sun this summer!

To learn more about Dermatone products, head over to their website www.dermatone.com. You can also check Dermatone on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dermatone
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dermatoneskinprotection

0 Comments

Swift Cantrell Classic 5K - May 11, 2019

6/6/2019

0 Comments

The Kennesaw Grand Prix is a family favorite of ours (and our friends as well) and is a series of 5Ks over the year and is a very well received series by the community. The race is located fairly close to home, is a well organized race, and is a pretty good little course for sure. The series starts off with the Swift Cantrell Classic 5K in May followed by five additional 5Ks over the next five months. The 2018 series concluded in October, so I have been waiting patiently to get back to the Kennesaw Grand Prix Series once again.

We arrived to the race fairly early (as normal). There is pretty ample parking at these races, but we had to pickup our bibs, use the restroom, etc so we just like to be sure we aren't too rushed or stressed.

Photo Credit: True Speed Photo

With the 1 Mile starting at 7:30 followed by the 5K at 8:00, we arrived at Kennesaw First Baptist Church a bit before 7:00 which gave us plenty of time to get our bibs, use the restrooms, and meet up with friends before cheering on the 1 Mile runners and heading to the start line.

Approximately 700 runners lined up to get ready on a 3.1 mile trek through Kennesaw. The race started on schedule and we were on our way!

Photo Credit: Momma K

All 6 races in the Kennesaw Grand Prix are ran on the same course. The course starts at Kennesaw First Baptist Church and heads out towards Swift Cantrell Park. After a mile long loop of the park, you head back towards downtown Kennesaw and finish at the Depot. The course is absolutely one of the most flat courses you will find in metro-Atlanta. Yes, there are some very minimal 'hills' along the way, but by Atlanta standards, it is pretty darn flat.

Photo Credit: True Speed Photo

I typically slow down a little bit inside of the park because the course is pretty narrow at this point as it is paved trail in the park so maneuvering around folks can be kind of tricky. The final mile has a bit of a long yet very gradual uphill before the final .2 mile of downhill to the finish line.

Just as I was coming into the final half mile, it started to rain a bit. Nothing to hard, and the light rain actually felt pretty refreshing at that point as it was ridiculously humid.

Photo Credit: True Speed Photo

After crossing the finish line, I grabbed some water and waited near the finish line to cheer on the runners and wait for my peeps to arrive. One of my favorite things about the Kennesaw Grand Prix series is that the mayor of Kennesaw greets you at the finish line with high fives. How cool is that?!?!

Usually the the post race area was held in the depot area near the finish line, but due to pending storms this morning, they had everything set up at Kennesaw First Baptist Church at the start. There were a few vendors set up and had some water and snacks while they did a raffle for some running shoes from Big Peach Running Company and awards. Since we had some errands to run and we on a time schedule, we didn't stick around too long after the awards.

The Kennesaw Grand Prix Series is a great series for sure, and I highly recommend any of their races. They are all super organized and you cannot beat that course. Seriously, you won't find many flatter 5K courses in the Atlanta area. We will definitely be back on June 8th for the Dream Dash 5K and cannot wait to get another try at this course.

To learn more about the Kennesaw Grand Prix series and register for their upcoming races, be sure to check out their website.

0 Comments

StrideBox - May 2019

6/3/2019

0 Comments

Disclaimer: A HUGE thanks to the team at StrideBox for allowing me to review their subscription box service. While I did receive a box to review, no other compensation was received. As always, I keep it real and all thoughts are strictly my own.

Fitness and health products can be very tricky at times to find out what works best for you. Rather than going and dropping serious cash on products that you quickly find out that you can't stomach or don't work well for you, StrideBox lets you try various products each month before you decide to purchase large quantity packages of new products.

While every product might not be the best fit for you, you can typically find a friend that might want to try it out instead. The best part about StrideBox is that it is just $19.95/month and you can cancel your subscription any time if you find that you aren't enjoying your box.

Each month when I receive my StrideBox, I am honestly like a kid on Christmas morning. I absolutely cannot wait to rip into my box and see what kind of goodies await me.

One of the cool features of StrideBox is that each box comes with a "Stride Guide" inside. This guide gives you a breakdown of the products as well as information such as when to use the products in your workout/run and the retail price. To be honest, I typically ignore the "Stride Guide" until I am done unloading the box so I don't ruin the surprise.

It is time to dig into this month's StrideBox and check out the goods...

SQUARE ORGANICS BAR- CHOCOLATE COATED COOKIE DOUGH

It is no secret that I am a sucker for snacks. Between work, running, the gym, and trying to have somewhat of a personal life, I am on the go A LOT and I am trying to do better avoiding vending machines and drive-thrus, so I try to have healthy snacks with me for when I get a little hangry. I am always looking for new snacks to throw in my purse, gym bag, or desk drawer to keep me fueled and ready to go. I train hard and I don't want all my hard work to be thrown out the window with bad food choices, so Square Organic Protein Bar is a great solution for a mid-day snack. Plus, it is cookie dough flavored WITH chocolate!

SPORTS BEANS - EXTREME - ASSORTED SMOOTHIE

I have tried Sport Beans by Jelly Belly in the past at race expos and liked them. Sport Beans have carbs and electrolytes in them to help you maintain fluid balance but also has vitamins and caffeine to give you an extra boost of energy on the run. I am definitely excited to have these back in my life as I do not like "traditional" running fuel such as gels. Each 1 ounce bag is has vitamins B, C and electrolytes and caffeine to keep you going on the run to sustain your energy levels.

SWORD - ENDURANCE DRINK - GINGER CITRUS

Sword is a hydration and fuel "all-in-one" product that uses all natural ingredients for a blend of fast and slow release carbohydrates from fruit for sustained energy on the run.

I have my favorite electrolyte replacement hydration, so I am not too inclined to really switch things up at this time. Typically when I find electrolyte mixes in my StrideBox I pass them along to friends who might be interested in the product. I do have to say though, the ginger flavor seems quite interesting...

AMINO VITAL - RAPID RECOVERY - BLUEBERRY

Amino VITAL is an amino acid drink mix for fast muscle energy and nutritional hydration. Packed with powerful plant-based amino acids and electrolytes, Amino VITAL Action helps continuously hydrate, fuel muscles, and fight fatigue before it sets in. It also contains NO caffeine and NO artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavorings. The blueberry flavor seems light and refreshing for summer, so I will likely give this a try soon.

BODY GLIDE - ORIGINAL ANTI-CHAFE, ANTI-BLISTER BALM

One of the things that I learned from my first marathon was the importance of taking care of my feet. After suffering from blisters the size of quarters basically covering the entire balls of my feet and heels. The goal of Body Glide's products are to create a rich, anti-chafing barrier that resists rubbing and in turn prevents chafing, blisters and raw skin. I have been a fan of BodyGlide products for a few years and always keep some in my running bag, but this mini size is perfect to throw in my running belt or hydration pack for long runs where I might need to reapply mid-run.

STRIDEBOX - ESSENTIALS - HOT/COLD RECOVERY PACK

While I love the nutrition products and samples in each StrideBox, they always include some kind of gear in the box. These always rock my socks and I have never been let down by these. This month, the StrideBox included a pinpoint gel bead hot/cold pack. This is a great piece of gear to have on hand because as runners (or just being human) you never know when those "boo-boos" will happen. The pack is a hot/cold pack so you can use if for whatever use you have and it is the perfect size for most injuries (foot, knee, hip, shoulder, etc).

One final thing included this month's StrideBox was a recipe for "No Bake Carrot Cake Bites" from TheFitFoodieMama.com and a Ready To Run Warmup workout from from Mary at www.itsamarython.com. This was definitely a nice little bonus to check out and I cannot wait to try both of these out soon - that workout looks so fun and will be great to kick off summer!

As I mentioned earlier, not every sample is going to be something that directly fits your life and likes. However, I really like the concept behind subscription boxes because you can try new things that you might not have known about before. StrideBox does a great job providing various products for pre-run, during, and post-run needs. The products included are definitely geared towards runners and other athletes and are a great fit for you and your fitness goals.

Question of the Day: Have you ever tried a subscription box? What kind of products would you like to see in an upcoming StrideBox?

0 Comments

Global Running Day 2019 Deals

5/31/2019

0 Comments

Happy Global Running Day! Today is a day to celebrate running and all runners around the world. It is a day to declare your passion for running and why you run. There are countless ways to celebrate Global Running Day. You can take a friend out for their first run, set new goals for yourself, sign up for a goal race, and of course go for a run!

Photo Source: www.globalrunningday.org

What is Global Running Day exactly? "Global Running Day is a day for people around the world to celebrate the joys of running. Participation is easy—just pledge to take part in some type of running activity on June 7, 2017. It can be a solo lap around the block, a long run with friends, or even a game of tag with your kids. The key is to share your passion for the sport and inspire others to get moving." (source: Global Running Day)

Easy enough, right? Grab your friends, your family, your pets, or even make some new friends and head out and run today! Don't forget to pledge your miles below to be a part of the tally for 2019 and connect with other runners celebrating on social media with #GlobalRunningDay.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate today, make sure you celebrate YOU and your run today by sharing your run with social media! Connect with other runners by using #GlobalRunningDay on your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts today. For information on Global Running Day events in your area go to the Global Running Day website here for more information.

I want to see all of the awesomeness that you are doing today, so be sure to post your crazy running selfies or post run pictures on social media. Remember, you never know who you might inspire!

Other than running, another awesome way to celebrate Global Running Day taking advantage of gear and races at discounted prices. In order to help spread the sales and savings, below are some of the sales that I have been coming across for runners including gear, races, and more! I will update the list as the day goes by - I can't wait to see and hear about what items you scored today - HAPPY SHOPPING

Race Discounts

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K (Various Locations/Dates) - Register for any Hot Chocolate 15K/5K TODAY with coupon code GRD2019 and receive the Ultimate Runner’s Pack: Breathable sport shoe bag, BPA-free water bottle, and snacks and hydration essentials! *Good for all U.S. Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k races. Cannot be retroactive and must be applied at registration. Code expires 6/6/19 at 11:59pm CST.

Jeff Galloway 13.1 (Atlanta, GA) - We are rolling back the prices! Don't miss the 24 disocunt for Jeff Galloway Race Weekend!

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series (Various Locations Globally) - Ready to rock?!?! Well, be sure to take advantage of the lowest prices of 2017-18 for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. Prices are valid through June 5, 2017 at 11:59 PDT and quantities are limited, so run over now to save big

Gear Discounts

Atlanta Track Club - Save 20% off Running City USA gear with code GRD20.

Question of the Day: How you are celebrating Global Running Day?

0 Comments

5 Years Of #RunStreak Craziness!

5/29/2019

0 Comments

As of Sunday, my run streak (and Momma K's) is now at FIVE years!!!!!! Yes, five years (1,827 consecutive days) of 1+ mile per day...EVERY SINGLE DAY! What a wild and crazy five years it has been to say the least. To celebrate the five year anniversary of our run streak, I wanted to share the story of how the streak started and some fun memories along the way.

The cast members at Disney Port Orleans French Quarter helping us celebrate at the Beignet Dash

In May 2014, Momma K and I took on the Runner's World Run Streak challenge. During the challenge you complete at least 1 mile per day from Memorial Day until July 4th. The Run Streak is an awesome way to commit to stay active during the summer months where many people are busy with vacations, days at the pool/beach/lake, etc. Momma K and I were both in training for the Dumbo Double Dare at Disneyland so we figured we would just do a "easy mile" on the days that we would typically rest. Everyone has their own opinions on run streaks, but we were down to try it.

Day 1 - May 26, 2014

Each day we diligently logged our mile. Whether it was a race, a training run, a quick mile before yoga, or a lap around the neighborhood, we got our mile in. The "end" of the run streak was on July 4th which was the Peachtree Road Race 10K and we talked about how tomorrow we finally get a break. Well, July 5th rolled around and I looked at mom and said "want to go do a mile?" The rest is history...

The last official day of the 2014 Runner's World #RunStreak - July 4, 2014

As we kept setting our eyes on short term milestones (50 days, 100 days, etc), the run streak just became a part of life. Yes, there were days that we didn't want to go do our mile, but we did it. Did we want to start back over at day 1 just because we were tired? NO!

When we hit a year it was a big deal for sure. I mean, committing to do something every SINGLE day for a year is a big deal. We even received hoodies from our running group to celebrate the milestone. We didn't stop there and here we four years after that.

We have encountered some pretty crazy situations while doing our "mile+ a day." We have gone out in rain, sun, hot, cold, night and day. There was one day that we were doing our mile and a storm started rolling in and we had to haul butt back, but we got our mile in. In winter, we headed out to the park for a long training run and everything was covered in ice and also sported some pretty fancy pre-race throwaways.

Don't forget the holidays! Just because it is Christmas Day does not mean that we didn't get our mile in. Mom, Dad, and I all headed out to the park to get a few miles in as a family. No matter the holiday, we were out there doing our thing and continuing our run streak.

What about vacations? Well, the first few days when we are at Disney were easy - we simply did our mile+ at the races. Even though we would be walking 10+ miles a day in the parks, we still did our mile each morning before heading off the the parks. On other vacations/racecations we have even utilized hotel parking lots to make sure our mile was done.

It has definitely been a crazy ride the past 5 years, but I wouldn't change it for anything. Each run completed has its own story and I loved getting out there each day whether with friends/family or solo. How long will the run streak continue? Only time will tell!

Question of the Day: Have you ever taken part in a run streak? How long did you "streak" for?

0 Comments

7 Years Ago: Remembering Pappy

5/27/2019

0 Comments

While some readers know me a little more personally than others, I always try to give you all the honest truth an non-filtered look into my life. With that said, I am sharing something a little more personal with each of you today. Today is one of the hardest days of my life to go through each year - it is the 7th anniversary of the passing of my grandfather, Pappy.

In 2012, my mom and I had already had plans to go to south Florida over Memorial Day weekend to visit family. About 3 weeks before our trip we learned that Pappy had degenerative heart failure and his time with us was likely limited. Pappy never knew he was "sick" - it was a family decision to just let him live the rest of his time in joy and not worry about what will happen to his wife once he passes.

Mom and I decided to soak up as much time with Pappy as we could on this trip for sure. We took him of his favorite places in the world - the beach. While we couldn't get him out of the car, we parked along the water and rolled down the windows for him to see the water and feel the ocean breeze which he absolutely loved.

The next day, just as mom and I were getting ready to go visit him we got the call. Pappy had passed away just as the nurse was getting him ready for dinner. It was beyond emotional to say the least. Not only did one of the closest people in my life pass away, he passed away just before I was going to spend some more time with him. I went through a lot of emotions. There was a few week period of time that I wasn't me at all. The only things that I would do in my spare time were puzzles and running which both helped me clear my mind on a daily basis.

While Pappy never got to see me run a race, he played a very important part in my running. After every race, I would always call Pappy and tell him about the race, how I did, and of course the weather (he always loved talking about the weather). During our talks, he would frequently tell me that I was "full of crap" and I didn't really run that far (whether it was a 5K or a 1/2 Marathon). He always liked to push my buttons and try to get me to whine ever since the day I was born - that is what grandfathers are for. I always told him that I was going to run a marathon one day and he always egged me on that I wouldn't (jokingly of course).

Shortly after Pappy passed away, I decided that it was time to take on the challenge of a marathon. I was going to conquer my first 26.2 and dedicate my run to him. With that in mind, I knew the best place to run my first marathon would be in Palm Beach where my a lot of my family resides, along with the burial spot of Pappy. When I wanted to quit the marathon so badly in the last few miles, I knew that I could not let Pappy down. I knew that he would not let me quit and that I needed to cross the finish line for him. After finishing, I went out to see him and show off my new bling to him. I knew that he was so proud of me.

Four years later, Pappy still plays a very important part in my life. Every time I lace up my running shoes I think of him and I even carry a little something special that reminds me of him while I run. While he is not here with me, he gives me strength to keep pushing myself more each day and to continue to make him proud.

With Pappy's Terrible Towel at Heinz Field when I ran the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon

My shirt that I wear this weekend each year

May 27th is without a doubt one of most emotional days of the year for me. Pappy and I were very close and to say that I miss him each and every day is a absolute understatement. All I can do is go out into the world and make him proud in everything that I do! <3

0 Comments

Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon - May 5, 2019

5/21/2019

0 Comments

Disclaimer: I am a 2019 Pittsburgh Marathon Official Blogger. As part of my role, I have been compensated with a complimentary race entry and products. All opinions are my own.

Ever since crossing the finish line of the 2018 Pittsburgh Half Marathon I have been ready to run this race again for the fifth time. It is one of my favorite races of the year for so many reasons and I have been counting down the days until I took to the streets and bridges of the Pittsburgh Half Marathon once again. After a fun-filled Saturday of a 5K and touring and eating my way through Pittsburgh, it was time to gear up for 13.1 miles.

This year I was running as a member of the ALZ Stars team for the Alzheimer's Association of Western Pennsylvania and in memory of my Grandma who I lost to Alzheimer's in 2017. The Alzheimer's Association is a charity very important to me and one that I will continue to support as we find a cure for Alzheimer's and end it for good. Needless to say, today's race meant even more to me today.

Since my hotel was a short five minute walk to the start area, I got to sleep in a little bit. And by sleep in, I mean not wake up as early as those driving into down that had to beat road closures. I still left my hotel room around 5:30 to head towards VIP and meet up with friends.

The pre-race VIP lounge was at the Westin, so we were able to escape the threat of rain and wait inside for race time. The hospitality lounge offered a light breakfast in addition to indoor restrooms and gear check. Since my friends and I knew what the weather could potentially be like out there, we decided to hang out inside as long as possible.

It was almost go time! The walk from the Westin to the corrals was pretty short in comparison to a lot of other big races (especially if you were in the first corrals). I got to corral B with plenty of time time to spare. They close off the corral entrances leading up to race time, so I got to the corral about 10 minutes before it closed. As I waited, I checked the weather app on my phone and it was still showing a pretty certain chance of rain during the race (and the clouds had a rainy look to them too). Lucky for me, I brought my lucky poncho to hopefully deter the rain (or at least a monsoon)!

About 7:15 I was off and on my way! I had decided that I was just going to enjoy my run and not worry about pace at all. Today I was going to give all the high fives I could and selfie and smile my way through Pittsburgh.

The first two and a half miles take you up Liberty Ave and back down Penn Ave in the Strip District. The course wasn't too tight at all when we started - maybe the first tenth of a mile or so, but nothing too bad that you couldn't easily maneuver around safely and comfortably.

While most runners dropped their rain gear at the start line, poncho and trash bag adored runners made their way through The Strip District stride by stride. Spirits were still pretty good by everyone. Considering that for a while they were calling for some pretty heavy rain possibly this morning, a light rain wasn't so bad.

As we made our way down Liberty Ave, I started to wonder how the rain would impact spectator support along the race course. While friends and family love their runners, will they love them enough to stand in the rain? About a mile in I came across my first non-race volunteer support. It was a sweet couple cheering away with umbrellas in hand. At this moment I knew that Pittsburgh was going to come through for us.

Before I knew it I was crossing the first bridge of three bridges that I would be running today. Call me a dork, but I get totally giddy running across the bridges. I was super excited to get cheer and high-fives from Steff and Joe who were cheering on the 16th Street Bridge this morning.

Just like last year, we got to run past all three professional sports venues again this year! First up was PNC Park at mile 5 followed by Heinz Field almost back to back.

Up next was the second bridge of the day, the West End Bridge. I knew from past years that there was a slight incline in this bridge along with an uphill section almost immediately after. The sights of the The Point and downtown really distract you get over that bridge though!

What goes up, must come down, right? After you make it through the hill in the West End, you hit an amazing spectator zone along with a nice downhill. Downhill portions are always very welcomed by me.

After taking a right-hand turn onto Carson Street, you keep going straight down Carson for about 3 miles. I love this section because you are along the Monongahela River for a lot of the way and the spectators are always out in full force.

Compared to Atlanta, the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon course is pretty flat, but I was still happy to get to the E-ZPass Mile (the flattest mile on the course).

Just before the mile 11 is the marathon and half marathon split. One day, MAYBE, I will head to the right, but I am heading left! The final bridge crossing was heading over the Birmingham Bridge. Thank you to the spectators on the bridge giving so much encouragement to everyone as we tackled the final bridge! Also, THANK YOU so much for the much needed snacks on the bridge - the purple Jolly Rancher was much appreciated and needed!

As I mentioned earlier, there was some course modifications from 2016, so rather than running UP HILL along Boulevard of the Allies most of the final mile, we got a nice flat-ish (and even downhill at times) final stretch.

Even though I had less than a mile to go to the finish, there was one last stop to make before the finish line. To cap off the trifecta of Pittsburgh professional sports facilities, we went past PPG Paints Arena, home of the Penguins! As a huge Pens fan, I had to stop by.

I will be honest - I got quite emotional in the final stretch today. I remembered why I was running today with the Alzheimer's Association and thought of how proud Grandma would be of me and all the lives that are being impacted by this horrible disease.

Half Marathon finish line #115! BOOM! What an amazing morning! My goal was to have fun and that is exactly what I did. The spectators, volunteers, and my fellow runners made every mile wonderful along the way despite less than perfect conditions!

The finishers' chute goes on for what feels like an eternity, but down the line you find all kinds of tasty goods including water, sports drink, bagels, bananas, chips, and most importantly Smiley Cookies from Eat'n Park!

The claustrophobic inside of me panicked slightly making my way out of the finishers' chute into Point State Park. There were spectators looking for their runners and runners trying to find other runners, so it bottle-necked here a bit. After you made your way through, the park was quite spacious.

Inside the park area there were a few vendors, food trucks, and music so runners and their family and friends could enjoy some time relaxing after the race. Usually the park is full of runners, family, and friends celebrating their accomplishments of the day. Well, the park was on the brink of being a mud pit and was pretty empty today.

On my way through the finish line area, I stopped by the FedEx & Steel City Road Runner Hospitality Tent. Man, I was beyond excited that I had access to this tent for a few reasons (1) an easy meeting place for family/friends, (2) private porto-potties with no lines (3) FOOD!

Before heading back to the hotel, I went down to The Point to snap a few pictures of my newly earned bling. This is seriously one of the best opportunities for post race pictures because of the fountain, bridges, and Heinz Field that can all serve as excellent backdrops for your pictures. Once again, with the weather the photo ops were not great, but I made due with them.

I cannot thank the team at Pittsburgh Marathon, the wonderful volunteers and emergency personnel, and spectators for making today an absolutely wonderful morning.

My 5th Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon and Steel Challenge (5K on Saturday and 1/2 Marathon on Sunday) are in the books and it was definitely everything that I wanted it to be and more. It was another fabulous year. Now, is it too soon for me to start planning for 2020?

0 Comments

Pittsburgh 5K - May 4, 2019

5/13/2019

0 Comments

Disclaimer: I am a 2019 Pittsburgh Marathon Official Blogger. As part of my role, I have been compensated with a complimentary race entry and products. All opinions are my own.

After a great day of traveling, expo fun, and the Pittsburgh Marathon VIP reception, it was time to get ready for the Pittsburgh 5K. This race it is the first race of a great two days of racing in Pittsburgh and it is also the first part of the Steel Challenge for a lot of runners running in Sunday's races as well.

The 5K was sold out and had just under 3,900 participants which was the largest field to date. The race starts at PNC Park, and since I was staying at a local hotel and walking over to the start, I could sleep a little longer. However, I had to make a quick stop along the way, but I was still at PNC around 7ish which gave me plenty of time to get ready and meet up with some amazing friends.

Before heading over to the start line, I met up with some of my Pittsburgh friends as well as some other out-of-towners for a meetup! While it was a bit different not having my local running friends there, my Pittsburgh peeps really made me feel at home this weekend. Even though we usually only see each other once or twice a year, everyone always welcome me with open arms.

Photo Credit: Stef

Photo Credit: Elle

About 10-15 minutes before the race we entered the start corral which was lined up by pace. Runners were sent off in two separate waves in order to help with crowding on the course which everyone appreciates. Since we were planning on running at "party pace" in order to save our legs for tomorrow's races (especially those running the full marathon), we started towards the back of the second wave which took off just a few minutes after the first one.

Photo Credit: Sarah

We headed towards Heinz Field and looped back around to PNC Park before heading towards the park and looping back across the Clemente Bridge towards the finish. There were a few points where things got a little congested, but it wasn't too bad. One of my absolute favorite scenes of the day was the group of Army member running in formation and chanting along the way. Wow, just wow.

Photo Credit: Elle

I absolutely loved the course change last year and I was so happy when I found out that this year's course was going to be the same. The roadways were nice and wide and there was plenty of spots for spectators along the way. Also, coming from Atlanta which is full of hills, this course is pretty flat! Actually, I have PRed on the Pittsburgh 5K course twice (with a slightly different course).

Photo Credit: Elle

One of my favorite parts about running in Pittsburgh is taking on the bridges. During the 5K you cross the Roberto Clemente Bridge just past the mile 2 mark. This is one of Pittsburgh's most iconic bridges that you see during sports coverage or other programs featuring downtown Pittsburgh and I always get chills running it. Today was no different. I had to stop and just take in the moment and enjoy the scenery around me.

Behind the scenes photo by Elle

Running at "party pace" while soaking in the moments and reconnecting with friends was just what I needed. There was no stress of pace or time. It was about enjoying the running community and being a part of something great.

Photo Credit: Sarah

After crossing the Roberto Clemente Bridge and heading towards the finish line, we had to make a quick stop. I mean, greyhounds were waiting for petting and I had hands willing to pet and love them! I cannot deny these precious pups hugs.

Photo Credit: Elle

Finish line here we come! We ran. We high-fived volunteers, fellow runners and spectators. We petted dogs. We had ALL THE FUN. Those 3.1 miles honestly FLEW by! I could not be more thankful for the wonderful opportunity to spend these miles with such amazing people. After collecting all of our runners in the finish area, we snapped a few selfies and such before going our separate ways this morning.

Photo Credit: Sarah

Whether your goal was racing it, a shakeout run for tomorrow's race, or just having fun, I think we all had a great time this morning even though it was humid (especially since there was snow in Pittsburgh last weekend).

It this was an absolutely perfect way to start the day. It was a great race, great course, and a fun time with family and friends. I absolutely LOVED the course too!

After a quick stop at Point State Park to check out some vendors and the Tot Trot, I went on duty with the P3R team to help with social media for the morning. I am still pinching myself over the opportunity and cannot believe I pulled off my 5K plus getting to the various events this morning for coverage.

I headed back to the PNC Park to the start line of the Kids Marathon. The Pittsburgh Marathon Kids Marathon is such an awesome event and one that I wish more races took part in something similar. Basically, local schools have programs that students take complete a mile at a time completing 25 miles in their program. Then come Pittsburgh Marathon weekend they run the final 1.2 miles from PNC Park to Point State Park to complete their marathon. Every year the size of the race grows more and more and this was no exception.

As I headed to PNC Park, I passed thousands of kids and their familes as they were about a quarter-mile into their race. Getting to see the determination and joy on their faces as they conquered their course and stormed the bridge was so much fun and inspiring.

The Kids Marathon had two very special guests on hand to help send off each wave at the start line: Pittsburgh Steelers players TJ Watt and Mason Rudolph. Race weekend means so much to this community and seeing someone like him come out and support this races really adds to the excitement. The looks on the kids faces as they high-fived some of their favorite football players was absolutely priceless and beyond precious. Each child out there had their own story and reason they were running and they were all rockstars out there! These are definitely memories to last a lifetime. Congratulations to each and every one of the Kids of Steel out there for completing the Kids Marathon.

Thank you again to UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh for sponsoring the race and the wonderful Pittsburgh Marathon staff, volunteers, and emergency personnel for making this morning possible.

Now, off to enjoy the afternoon, relax, refuel, and get ready for tomorrow's half marathon!

0 Comments

Staying On Track With Peachtree Road Race Training

5/10/2019

0 Comments

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Mizuno. I was compensate with complimentary product, however no monetary compensation was received. All thoughts are strictly my own.

As race day approaches, our motivation for running and training can easily be destroyed this time of the year between end of the school year, warm temperatures rolling in and just life in general. With race day coming up in about seven weeks, I don't want all my hard work the past few months to go to waste, so I am making sure that I stay motivated and on track to reach my goals on race day. I plan to focus, stay accountable and get through these final weeks successfully and ready to crush my goals and reach beyond my limits.

With Peachtree Road Race (July 4th) quickly approaching, it is time to start narrowing in on what your goals for race day are. How do you plan to reach beyond your limits on July 4th? You have to dig deep, not settle for just "good enough" and resist the urge to quit. Yes, it is tough, but with the right motivation, determination and focus, you can do it!

There are many things you can do to keep that momentum going during your training. Obviously different things work for different people, but here are a few of my favorite ways to stay on track with my training in the home stretch.

Fresh New Gear
If you are like me, there is nothing like fresh gear to get you out the door and running those miles. If there is one piece of gear I recommend replacing to give yourself some motivation, it is definitely your running shoes. Your shoes are hands down the most important piece of running gear you will have. As with any new running shoe that you are trying, I recommend getting fitted at a local running store or at least trying them on in person first. Now is the time to get fitted and find the perfect ride to carry you those 6.2 miles down Peachtree.

Speaking of shoes, have you seen the limited edition Mizuno WaveKnit that are commemorating the 50th running of the Peachtree Road Race. Y'all! First, I love my Mizuno WaveKnits as is - they are seriously so comfortable. Then Mizuno throws a super fun patriotic colorway that celebrates my favorite race of the year? Yes, please! I am really loving the way that the colors are opposites between the left and right shoes. If you are wanting to snag a pair to wear for July 4th, now is the time to get them so you can get them broken in before race day. The 2019 limited edition Peachtree Road Race Mizuno WaveKnits or other Mizuno Peachtree Road Race gear can be found on the Mizuno website or at many metro-Atlanta running stores.

Photo Credit: Mizuno

Training Groups & Running Buddies
When training, nothing is better than the support of others. Everyone in your life might not totally understand what exactly you are working towards. Working with training groups or finding running buddies is an excellent way to get support from other runners and stay accountable to your training plan.

I absolutely love running with my friends. Not only does running together give us quality time together, it is also a great accountability tool to help make sure that miles get logged. Sometimes you might hit a mental block and try to find a reason to bow out of a run, but if you know your running partner is depending on you to be there, your tune definitely changes. Having a running buddy gives you someone to help push each other a little more and of course celebrate your accomplishments along the way.

Track Your Progress & Celebrate
Training for a race is hard work - be sure to celebrate and have fun! There are a lot of different ways to reward yourself occasionally throughout training. For example, once you have completed a month staying on track with training you buy yourself a new running shirt, go relax with a massage after 100 miles, or even stashing a dollar per mile in a special jar to have some spending cash for your next race expo (you will be amazed to watch the jar fill up).

One of my favorite ways to visualize my training/mileage is through a simple marble system. Start with your monthly goal mileage in one jar and have another jar with those marbles in it. After each run, move the number of marbles that correspond with your mileage to the "miles ran" jar. As the month goes on, watch one jar empty while the other one fills up. You can also do this with other goals such as number of days you ran this month, days cross-trained, days water goal was met, etc. No matter what your goal is, having something visible that you see every day makes you more apt to make it happen and then celebrate those goals.

Cross Training
Most runners know that cross-training is important - almost as important as logging your miles. If you find different cross training routines that are beneficial AND fun, you will be more likely to do them, right? Sometimes mixing things up a bit is just what I need.

While I simply tolerate my weight circuits days, I REALLY enjoy going to my weekly HIIT training and yoga. These are some of the days that I most look forward to on my schedule. Each day of cross training is important to your training. Remember your body is like a car and has a lot of different parts that makes it move better and faster. Try out some different classes at your local gym or check out your local running store or club for "yoga for runners" nights. You never know where you might fall in love with something new to add to your schedule.

50 Days, 50 Miles to the 50th AJC PRR Virtual Challenge

New for 2019 is the 50 Days, 50 Miles to the 50th AJC Peachtree Road Race Virutal Challenge hosted by Mizuno and Atlanta Track Club. Just as the name suggests, this is a virutal challenge to complete 50 miles in the 50 days leading up the Peachtree Road Race (July 4th) to help runners and walkers stay motivated with their training in the final weeks leading up to the big race.

Created through the FitRankings app, the challenge encourages runners in the U.S. to walk, jog or run 50 miles in 50 days in honor of the 50th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race.
Participants can register now through May 13 on www.mizunousa.com/mizunofit50challenge
The challenge officially starts on May 14 and runs through July 3
Those who achieve the 50 miles in 50 days will be notified on July 20th about a special surprise courtesy of Mizuno USA.
The challenge is designed to encourage communities of runners and other fitness enthusiasts to inspire people of all ages to be more active.

Join the 50 Days, 50 Miles to the 50th AJC PRR Virtual Challenge and run or walk 50 miles in the 50 days leading into the 2019 AJC Peachtree Road Race and earn a special virtual challenge car magnet (metal themed).

Magnet will be shipped or available at a retail location near you.
Must be within the U.S. to receive magnet.

Grand Prize: You must complete 50 miles, and upload a picture to Instagram and tag #MizunoFit50 to be eligible to win the Grand Prize

Entry to 2020 Peachtree Road Race (5 winners total). *Does not include travel or lodging - only race entry

*Must be within the U.S. to participate. See full contest rules here.
(Source: Mizuno)

All that is pretty easy, right? With a few long runs left before July 4th, hitting those 50 miles in the next 7ish weeks should be no problem at all! Bonus! There are prizes....and it is FREE to join! Want to take part in the 50 Days, 50 Miles to the 50th AJC PRR Virtual Challenge? Don't delay on registering because Monday, May 13, 2019 is the last day to register!

Signing up is easy and takes a few seconds:

Head over to 50 Days, 50 Miles to the 50th AJC PRR Virtual Challenge page.
Click the "Join" button.
Register and Connect your favorite fitness app or wearable.
Invite friends and share your progress on Instagram #MizunoFit50

Check out more details of the 50 Days, 50 Miles to the 50th AJC PRR Virtual Challenge online for more information and to get started.

Yes, it can be hard to keep your training on track at times, but by planning ahead you can also balance your training schedule with life. Set your goals, make your plan, work hard, have fun, and make it happen! I am excited to follow along with everyone's training progress as well as sharing my own over the next seven weeks.